News Summary
The UNC Asheville men’s basketball team has added two new players for the upcoming season: forward Daniel Thomas from New Mexico and guard Jakel Powell from FAU. Head coach Mike Morrell announced the signings, aiming to strengthen the Bulldogs’ roster. Both Thomas and Powell come with impressive backgrounds and experience, which will hopefully enhance the team’s performance in the next season. Additionally, the athletics department participated in an event raising funds for Special Olympics North Carolina, showcasing a commitment to community engagement.
Asheville, North Carolina – UNC Asheville men’s basketball team has welcomed two new players for the 2025-26 season: forward Daniel Thomas from New Mexico and guard Jakel Powell from FAU. Head coach Mike Morrell announced both additions in early May, bolstering the Bulldogs’ roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Daniel Thomas Joins as a Forward
Daniel Thomas, a 6-foot-8 forward from Dallas, Texas, transferred from New Mexico and will have four years of eligibility remaining. He redshirted the past season, allowing him ample time to develop skills and adapt to the program. The three-star recruit was previously nominated for the 2024 McDonald’s All-America team, showcasing his potential from a young age.
During his high school years at Dallas Carter High School, Thomas earned all-state honors while contributing to his team’s impressive 31-6 record, securing a top 25 ranking in Texas. His standout performance was recognized as he was named the District 13-4A Defensive Player of the Year. Additionally, Thomas played for the Lone Star Elite AAU team, further honing his skills on the court.
Jakel Powell Signs on as a Guard
Jakel Powell, standing at 6-foot-5, is another exciting addition for the Bulldogs. The Raleigh, North Carolina native previously played at FAU, redshirting during both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Like Thomas, Powell also has four years of eligibility ahead of him.
In high school, Powell was impressive, playing in 31 games during his senior year, where he averaged 16.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He started his academic journey at the Burlington School, where he was part of the team that won the State Championship in 2022. His experience and skill set are anticipated to contribute significantly to the Bulldogs’ campaign this coming season.
Fundraising Efforts for Special Olympics
In addition to the roster announcements, the UNC Asheville Athletics Department participated in Debbie Antonelli’s “24 Hours of Nothing But Net” event, which raises funds for Special Olympics North Carolina. This marks the fourth consecutive year that UNC Asheville has taken part in this charitable initiative.
The free throw shooting event was held at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in South Asheville on May 8, 2025, and has served as a rallying point for community support and fundraising. Since its inception in 2019, the event has successfully raised over $845,000 for Special Olympics athletes, driven by a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
For the current year, Sheetz has made a contribution of $2,500 to Special Olympics North Carolina, with the presentation scheduled to occur during the event. Additionally, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ increased its donation percentage to 20% of sales from both Asheville locations during the fundraising week from May 4-10. Customers aid the fundraising efforts by using the promo code “NBN2025” for online orders, demonstrating the power of community in support of a meaningful cause.
Looking Ahead
The additions of Thomas and Powell are expected to enhance the team’s performance in the 2025-26 season, as both players come with exceptional backgrounds and competitive experience. UNC Asheville fans remain enthusiastic about the upcoming season, anticipating a strong showing from the Bulldogs with their newly strengthened roster.
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Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs – Daniel Thomas Transfer Announcement
- Google Search: UNC Asheville mens basketball
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs – Jakel Powell Transfer Announcement
- Wikipedia: UNC Asheville
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs – 24 Hours of Nothing But Net Event
- Google Search: Special Olympics North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
